More Join Call for Rt. 59 Fix-Up

Group will host community Education Day at Town Square Mall to promote vision to upgrade congested area

Photo from www.vosizneias.com

PRESS RELEASE– The Improve59 Coalition announced this week that its call to widen, modernize and upgrade New York‘s Route 59 was endorsed by Ironworks Union Local 417, Teamsters Local 445 and an expanding coalition of faith and community leaders.

The group will host its first Community Education Day on the plan later this month at the Town Square Mall to engage Ramapo-area residents on the coalition’s vision for infrastructure in the Monsey Commercial District. An informational booth will be setup with renderings available for viewing as part of a series of workshops being planned to invite the community to learn more about the dramatic new initiative and ways to get involved.

“We briefed local leadership in our initial unveiling of Improve59, and now we are excited to bring our bold new vision for the “Route 59 of the Future” to members of the community,” said former state Assemblyman Ryan Karben, Esq., Improve59 spokesperson. “Our first Community Education Day will be an excellent opportunity to engage area-residents interested in a wider and safer Route 59.”

Improve59 recently unveiled its vision for the corridor, which proposes widening Route 59 with an additional lane of traffic in each direction and synchronizing traffic lights. Major improvements also include adjusting traffic flow on Route 306 for bottleneck relief as well as creating a Route 59 bypass road from Route 59 toSaddle River Road. The coalition also prioritizes pedestrian safety by proposing the creation of sidewalks, safe crossings, and medians to discourage jaywalking, as well as a biking/walking trail from the existing park at Old Nyack Turnpike through Monsey Glen Park.

Teamsters Local 445 and Ironworkers Local 417 reflect the latest organizations to formally endorse Improve59.

“I am proud to welcome my brothers and sisters in Labor to this coalition,” said Stephen Reich, Business Manager of Laborers Union Local, which endorsed the initiative last month. “We are building a strong coalition of residents, workers and business owners to improve Rockland‘s neglected infrastructure.”

“Improve59 is offering a comprehensive plan for sound planning and traffic management, where currently there is none,” said Jack Sullivan, President of Teamsters Local 445. “The road along this stretch is crumbling and the only funding currently allocated for improvements is reserved for adding a small section of sidewalk—that is not enough to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians.”

Mike Gaydos, President of Ironworkers Local 417 announced the Labor organization’s membership in the Improve59 Coalition as well.

The coalition also announced that Pastor Nathaniel Demosthene of First Timothy Christian Church in Spring Valley would assist in educating community members about the plan. “New infrastructure will benefit all Ramapo residents. I look forward to great discussion in the community about the Improve 59 initiative,” said Pastor Demosthene.

Members of the coalition also include New Hempstead Mayor Fred Brinn, Ramapo Councilwoman Brendel Logan Charles and Rockland County Legislator Aron Wieder.

Improve59’s Community Education Day will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 12-4 p.m. outside the Evergreen Market at Town Square (59 Route 59 in Monsey). Community members are invited to stop by to view drawings and join the coalition to receive updates and resources on getting involved.